Jock Itch: How to Care for Your Child

Kids with jock itch have a red, itchy rash in the groin area. It is caused by a type of germ called a fungus. It usually goes away after a few weeks of treatment with a medicated cream, foam, spray, or powder. 

Kids with jock itch should:

• Use the medicine as instructed by the health care provider. Do not stop the medicine early, even if the rash seems better, or the jock itch may come back.

• Wash and dry the skin at least twice a day and before using the medicine:

  • Wet the area.

  • Wash with a mild soap.

  • Use a clean towel to dry thoroughly. The towel should only be used on the groin area. Machine wash the towel in hot, soapy water after every use.

• Avoid shaving the groin area until the jock itch is gone.

• Change clothing daily, especially underwear.

• Wear loose-fitting underwear and pants when possible.

• Change out of tight clothing like compression shorts, athletic supporters, bathing suits, tights, and pantyhose as soon as possible.

• Wash any type of compression shorts, athletic supporter, or protective cup in the washing machine on hot or by hand with hot, soapy water after each use.

• Get treatment for any other fungal infection, such as athlete's foot.

• The jock itch does not start to get better in about a week.

• Your child gets a rash somewhere else on the body.

• The infected skin looks redder or starts to ooze.

How do people get jock itch? Jock itch is spread by touching the fungus on a towel, sheet, piece of clothing, athletic equipment, or another person. It can also spread from a fungus on another part of the body, such as athlete's foot.

How can my child avoid getting jock itch again?Anyone can get jock itch, especially if they sweat a lot. It is more common in boys, but girls can get it too. To help prevent jock itch, your child should:

• Keep the groin area clean and dry. Wash daily and dry off completely, particularly after showering, swimming, and sweaty activities.

• Use clean towels and avoid sharing towels.

• Avoid sharing clothing, sports equipment, and other personal items.

• Use a powder or drying lotion (available without a prescription) in the groin area every day.

• Wash athletic supporters (jock straps) and underwear after every use.

• Avoid tight-fitting underwear and pants.